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I'm Shay! I’m a cookbook author, lifestyle blogger, travel agency owner, wife and mama who loves making every day special for my family.

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Mix & Match Mama

Health & Fitness, Wellness ·

Hobbies and Time


Happy Wednesday, friends!

Well, Ashby and Smith didn’t have school yesterday (their district had a five day Labor Day weekend), so I took the opportunity of having my two middles at home, and we decorated the house for FALL 🙂 .

I mean, doesn’t everything just look better with pumpkins all around?

It just absolutely does.

Today, I have TWO very different posts for your Hump Day.  Just in time for apple season, I am sharing my AUTUMN APPLESAUCE IN THE SLOW COOKER.  It’s only four ingredients…and trust me when I say that your house is going to smell DELICIOUS while it simmers away.

I was also inspired to chat about “hobbies” today for our WELLNESS WEDNESDAY post.  I don’t have a lot to say, but I was encouraged last week on the subject and wanted to (hopefully) pass that on to you.

I have mentioned many many times before that I listen to the Dallas sports radio station, The Ticket, every single day.  I absolutely love this station, but I particularly adore their morning personalities, The Musers.  Well, after being on the radio together over 30 years, The Musers just launched a podcast…

…and I have loved and listened to every single episode since it launched in June.  Over these last few weeks, they have been doing a series on their hobbies/how they spend their free time.  Who would have thought that three men pushing 60 who make me laugh like crazy every morning while discussing Jerry Jones, funny news articles and a lot of irreverent content could motivate and encourage me to share with my favorite women on the internet?

This hobbies series they’re doing has really emphasized “time”.

Gordon Keith (one of The Musers) was sharing in last week’s episode about how time really is the only thing we’re guaranteed in this life.  Every single one of us is guaranteed a finite amount of time.  What we chose to do with that time is what matters.  I mean, I know this…but it really struck a chord with me in a different way while listening last week.

How do I want to spend my time?  Scrolling on my phone?  No.  Angry over something someone I don’t know in real life said on the internet?  Absolutely not.  Worrying and obsessing over things that most likely will sort themselves out?  Not at all.  Do I want to spend my time bored?  No.  I mean, the list is very very long for me personally.  I could write up one thousand things I don’t want to spend my precious, limited time on.

On Sunday, I was doing a puzzle with Madeley and the thought crossed my mind that my sweet friend Manda would love to do a puzzle with her kids.  Manda has been gone now eight years.  Her time was short.  My time could be too.  Yours could be.  No matter how much we have, we should be really aware of how we are using it.

So…back to The Musers.

They were talking about time while sharing their hobbies.  They specifically said their hobbies couldn’t be about their family.  These are hobbies/interests/passions of theirs for them alone.

I saw this quote and thought this could be something we could all mull over…

I have LITERALLY made not one but TWO careers out of hobbies.  I know that’s rare.  I know I am extremely fortunate that I’ve been able to do it.  I know that at this moment in time, it’s not possible for every single person, but I do think it’s possible for some of you who just need a bit of encouragement.  I hope you hear me encouraging those of you right now who have a hobby you’d really like to turn into a profession, but you just need a little boost.  I never want to think a woman in this community is really wanting to be brave and turn a hobby into a revenue stream, but she doesn’t have anyone cheering her on.  Here I am!  I am cheering you on!

I’ve been very blessed to be surrounded by women who have turned their hobbies into careers.  My mom turned her passion for her home into going back to college and getting a degree in interior design when I was in the second grade.  Four years later, she graduated and created her own very successful firm that she ran for over 25 years.

My cousin really loved making hairbows.  She was making them at home for friends and family and then started an Etsy shop.  Fast forward almost 15 years and now, she has a huge warehouse and a team of employees where they make THOUSANDS of bows each year that are sold online and in stores.

My other cousin has a degree in fashion design and worked for Fossil until she decided to stay home with her first child.  She started making pillows in her spare time because at her core, she has a love for sewing.  She now has a very successful pillow shop on Etsy and is still at home with her (now) four kids!

Some of you have careers you absolutely adore that fulfill you to your core and turning a hobby into revenue is not anything you want or need to do (and that is AWESOME!), but I also know some of you are sitting on great ideas, creative interests, talents, skills, and passions, and I hope you’re hearing me say that I have faith in you.  You might not be able to do this fulltime, but you can turn your hobby into something that blesses you both with how you’re spending your time AND a little income.

So, today, I’m just going to leave this quote above here for reflection.

Maybe the one that stuck out to you was “one to keep you in shape” or “one that brings you pure joy”.

I certainly have hobbies that bring me PURE JOY (reading, traveling, yoga, walking my dogs, appreciating all the things about fall…just to name a few).

That’s it for today 🙂 .

I would love to read your thoughts on time and/or hobbies in the comment section today.

I’m going to sit here at my desk and work while drinking out of a fall mug and looking at a pumpkin.

It’s September, y’all!

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Comments

  1. Lisa D. says

    Hi Shay, I feel like you are looking at me. I had been a teacher for 36 years, when my beloved school abruptly closed in June, after 99 years. The best part of my job was teaching little ones to fall in love with reading. Your post couldn’t be more timely. Just today I decided to add to my Instagram account a “What I Read on Wednesdays” to highlight some amazing books for kids of all ages. We will see where this leads, but I couldn’t be more excited. Thanks for the nudge.🥹

  2. Lorraine says

    I am so thankful that I turned my hobby into a job. I was writing and leading Bible studies and giving talks on Jesus, when I felt the pull to vocational ministry. I remember a friend asking me what my dream job was and I said to talk about Jesus to women. A few years later, I became the women’s minister at my church and get to do what I love, what I think I was created to do. It is such a gift!!

  5. Amy Grace Duncan says

    I love this! My hobbies are volunteering at my kids’ school, volunteering at church, drinking coffee, doing Bible study, and working out! I’ve been wanting to try paint by numbers, and I think it’s time!

  6. Rachel Wible says

    Thank you for this encouragement! I’ve been thinking lately of creating a little farm stand at the end of our driveway with homemade breads, goodies and handmade home decor pieces! Working this winter to perfect my baking and hopefully open the stand next spring! Hoping it can be a creative outlet and a fun way to meet neighbors!

    • DEBBRA says

      Rachel, we have a couple of people in my neighborhood do this and it is great for the neighborhood. I really hope you try it. You will meet new people and your neighbors will meet new people. I’m sure everyone will love your home baked goodies!!

    • MelanieL says

      Yay Rachel!! We have someone right outside our neighborhood who has a farm stand at the end of her driveway and we love stopping for sourdough, fresh eggs, baked desserts, PEANUT BUTTER PIE (my fav, lol). Her husband built the cutest little stand that accommodates a mini fridge for the refrigerated desserts. She has a lock box for cash and cashless online ways to pay. Stopping by there is my favorite part of the weekend! This is me encouraging you…best of luck! 🙂

      • Rachel Wible says

        I am so encouraged and going to work even harder to get this thing up and running! Thank you!!

    • Tiffany says

      Hey do that!! A man & woman do that in my area at end of driveway an someone is always there. They keep fresh eggs always but sometimes have sourdough breads & rolls & even cookies sometimes. They keep a small cooler also an if your lucky you can catch their farm fresh milk. Its all honorary system based an its the cutest thing!!!

  7. Kelly Sites says

    Last week I went to Florida for a funeral of my very close friend who died suddenly and very unexpectedly. She was very healthy, exercised daily, and loved Jesus with her whole entire heart. She lived fully. Invested in people. And made time for her family and friends. Each time this this happens in my world, I grip on to the moment of my life. I recalibrate and focus on what really matters, who really matters, and focus in on living a joyful life filled with gratitude. I call people I haven’t talked to in a while, send cards, make lunch dates. I feel like this has become my hobby. Being connected to others and having deep and thriving relationships. I love sending surprise care packages to my kids. Yesterday I bought my sweet daughter in law a super cute pumpkin at Hobby Lobby for her table. I bought us Beauty and the Beast at our theater for October. I love reading, and yoga, and walking in nature so so so so much. These things bring me deep joy. But also connecting and encouraging others and loving them the way Jesus does, is my biggest hobby. (working on perfecting it daily.)

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      Oh goodness, I am just so sorry for your loss. I very much appreciate your perspective during this hard time. xx

  8. Janette says

    My mother died last fall at age 98. She had tons of hobbies. If she was sitting, she was crocheting, quilting, mending, smocking, oil painting or reading. She gardened till she was no longer physically able to. Her hobbies kept her mentally sharp and she was never bored.

  9. Dana P says

    This is so good, Shay. I feel like I have a million ideas, but lack the knowledge or courage to actually implement anything! Your story truly does inspire me. But I also think about how you must surely get a lot of hateful comments, right? That’s what keeps me from doing pretty much anything online-the trolls. 🧌

    • Leslie S says

      Same for me Dana. I have some ideas and get excited about it but then don’t take the jump bc I don’t want to deal with nasty people. I don’t know how these wonderful ladies – like Shay – who work so hard can deal with the hateful Comments (or why in the world so many keyboard clickers seem to thrive on being mean??). Maybe some day I’ll get tougher skin and take the leap, praying about it.

  10. Jody says

    Love your sentiments with this post. What great reminder that our time is finite and that we can choose how we use that gift. Also, I just want to say how much I enjoy reading your posts and musings. You’re (IMO) one of the few bloggers who still writes content that enhances my life vs trying to sell me things all the time. I really enjoy your thoughts and writing. Thank-you!

    • Jessica Shobe says

      I totally second this! So many blogs I used to read are now only about clothes and sales, where yours has wellness, travel, what’s up Wednesday, recaps of your family, recipes, books, Friday Favs, and so much more! It’s just a joy to read and learn from. It’s a blog that makes me happy and makes me think!

  12. Carrie Martens says

    Thank you for the reminder that time is so precious. I think I need that reminder daily as I sweat the small stuff so often. I need to learn how to be un-offendable. Also, thanks for the podcast recommendation. Sounds really good. I was looking for a new one 😊

  13. Emi says

    This post couldn’t come at a better time! I need a new hobby or two so hoping to get some inspiration from others. 😊

  14. Paige E says

    I love this post! As a middle aged lady looking at an empty nest in the near future, I’ve been thinking about this topic a lot. What do I – just me – like to do? One thing I’m trying to conquer right now is the fact that the others in my house don’t love to get up early and be active. I love to hike! I want to go explore local and not so local trails and right now I’m working on getting comfortable doing it alone. I’m starting small – local trails – but hope to branch out to the beautiful Virginia Mountains – even if I need to go by myself.

  15. Natalie Alvarado says

    Thank you for this encouragement! I’ve been a stay at home mom, but now I have 2 in college and a sophomore in high school and I’m looking at what I should do when he graduates. Very thought provoking post! ❤️

  16. Kristin says

    I am so glad you specifically said If you have a hobby that you WANT to turn into a profession. I love to bake and take pictures. I’ve been told so many times that I should open a bakery or coffee shop or I should try to sell my photos. The people who kindly make these suggestions have NO IDEA how much effort is needed to do those things. And it would take the fun out of baking and photography for me. I want to keep them strictly hobbies! If anyone wants to print or paint any of my photos, I say, ‘Of COURSE you can!” because I’m certainly not going to do it myself and sell it to you. My other hobbies are reading and gardening. And I love yoga, working out, and swimming! I’m looking forward to seeing what hobbies other readers have.

    • Ellen says

      You sound a lot like me! I struggle to think of anything that generates income as a hobby. That’s just my mindset, though. I do have a side hustle, but it feels like bonus work more than a hobby.

      That said, I have many hobbies — running, reading, gardening, music. My husband also has a lot of hobbies. That’s one of the things we like about each other. 🙂

    • Renee says

      Kristin, maybe you could make a few cakes for a charity that provides them to families in need. My teenage daughter made a Lion King for a one year old and his family.

  17. Natalie says

    I just recently ended a long term relationship and would welcome ideas/hobbies for a 60 year old woman. Any and all suggestions are welcome that would help fill the time and mind space.

    • Jean E. says

      Hi Natalie! Your comment resonated with me as a 63-year-old with a lot of free time during retirement. I decided to try out some volunteer work and have been loving it! I have met people in my small community that I would have never met otherwise. One of my volunteer gigs is teaching cognitive and physically disabled individuals how to ski. (That one is pretty specific and certainly can only be done if you live near a ski area.) But, the one I really love is my volunteer work at a local thrift store. If you are someone who loves clothes, you could ask if they need help sorting clothing. Or, for example, maybe you have an interest in books or crafts and you could specifically ask if you could help organize those areas of the store for them. It’s a great way to weave your interests into helping the community. Just food for thought.

      • Natalie says

        Jean E – thank you so much for the response. I love clothes and your suggestion sounds like a good use of my interest. I so appreciate you taking the time to submit a response to my cry for help! Wishing you a great day.

    • Caroline says

      Do you have a library near you? My local library has lots of different meetings/social occasions for women who might like to knit, or plant flowers in the local area, or go on day trips. That might be somewhere to start?

      • Natalie says

        Caroline – thank you! I love our local library and your comment reminded me of how I used to go on a Saturday afternoon and peruse magazines. I appreciate you commenting! Have a great day!

    • Gail says

      Natalie, would you consider taking up watercolor painting? Watch some videos online and give it a try! I could barely draw a stick figure but a friend wanted to do this so I reluctantly did it with her and fell in love with art! Now I turn my creations into greeting cards and the thing I really love is that it takes my mind to a new place and suddenly a few hours have gone by. It has helped me get through some hard times and I have something positive to show for it. BTW, I am in my 70’s.

      • Natalie says

        Gail – this is a great suggestion and I love that you can do it alone or with the friend that suggested it! I’m heading to Amazon to find supplies. Thank you for taking the time to help me! Enjoy your day!

  18. SS says

    I love this. I would say my main hobby is taking photos. I always say when I grow up I want to be a photographer. I love playing games, reading, anything creative (I try to make photo challenge for our kiddo and I every month).
    Boy, time really hits you hard when someone close to you passes or even someone close like Manda, so young. I know I have had a few “hard’ deaths starting when I was 15 of a neighbor leaving 2 kids under 10 and a brand new premie baby(now in her 30s). After that I always try to live by “Live each day as if it were your last and as if you are going to live forever.”

  19. Molly says

    How did you know this was just what I needed to hear? I am 31 weeks pregnant with my second child and already dreading having to return to a full time job (which I usually enjoy!) after Maternity leave ends. I have had so many ideas about what I can do or pondered how do I get started to give myself a bit more flexibility in the future to be more present for my kids, and this post may just be that final push. Thank you for your encouragement and perspective! From a long time Bostonian (Go sox!)

  20. Lisa D says

    Such a great post!
    My hobbies are reading, walking/hiking, and making crafts. I do these hobbies by myself and with friends, and now I get to read and walk and do silly, fun crafts with my sweet young grandsons!

  23. Andrea says

    I appreciate how encouraging this post is meant to be, and I certainly agree with many parts of it. However, I also think it is important to acknowledge the immense amount of privilege it takes to be able to dedicate time to leisure and hobbies. Free time itself is a privilege. A single parent working hard to make ends meet does not have the time and money to dedicate to a hobby. Sure, hobbies are fulfilling and spark joy and don’t have to cost much money. But when you are busy, stressed, and broke it can be hard to fit that all in when you are just trying to get by in life.

  24. Erin says

    Hi!!! I’m freshly in a new season of life and sort of wondering “what’s next?” Then it about the three hobbies has me thinking! And I love how you are cheerleading all of us on!!

  25. Nicole says

    Some hobbies that I have come to love are learning to make my own sourdough bread, doing a puzzle with a happy show on in the background, and walks! Also does perusing every aisle of TJ maxx or Target count as a hobby? 🙂

  26. Kara says

    I love this post. I was encouraged by the CEO of my company to go back to school in my mid-forties to get a paralegal degree. I just started my second semester. I love it so much that it feels like a hobby. My new found love of the legal world has made me so happy! I am so thankful that they saw something in me that I didn’t see in myself. What is so funny is that a million years ago when I was in college I had taken all of the prerequisite classes and had no idea at the time that this was in my future. All of that to say it’s never too late to find something that you love. Thank you for always being an encourager, too, Shay!

  27. Debbie says

    This post really spoke to me. I’m reaching retirement age (within 3 years hopefully), but have found a love for crocheting, and have been sewing/quilting for years. I’ve been pondering opening an Etsy store, or perhaps start with a craft show to see how things go. THANK you for your inspiration!

  28. Kerry says

    Wow! This hit home! There are things in life that I love…all things Disney, time spent with family or my dog, a good walk while listening to a good book and the season that is Fall. Your post about your hobby in to a business makes me think perhaps that I should really consider being a Disney travel agent. I’m going on a solo trip in three weeks and I would love to be able to go more often. Definitely a worthwhile pursuit for me. ❤️

  29. Sonya Z says

    Wow!! 🥹 This post really spoke to me. Often times I feel as though I just wake up to just go to work. I having been missing out on so much lately and this was exactly what I needed to hear today. Thank you for using your platform for something meaningful. I feel so inspired to change things up and to go out there and fall in love with my life again. ❤️

  30. Paula says

    I discovered the love of card making after I was laid off from my job of 20 years. A good friend of mine had been sending me these beautiful handmade cards and I wanted to learn!
    So I did! And I love it! People always tell me I should open an Etsy shop, but I think that would take the fun out of it.
    I was very down and at a low point from losing my job. I was almost at retirement age, and didn’t want to have to prove myself and compete with the younger generation to find another job.
    That being said, don’t wallow in self pity. Make the most of your time and find something that you love to do!

  31. Catherine says

    Wonderful inspiration. I’m turning to work full time after 18 years off the clock. Not sure what I’m gonna do and it’s very scary. Totally need someone cheering!

    • Robin says

      Cheering you on, Catherine! Praying that this next step in your life journey is full of wonderful surprises and new friendships!

  32. Alice says

    I play mahjong and recently started teaching! It is a fun hobby have and a nice way to make some money. If you’re in Columbia, SC, reach out 🙂

  34. Jenny N says

    What a great post!! I loved reading it and am going back to read it again. My husband and I are mid 50’s with no kids at home. We have 2 grandkids with a 3rd on the way. I love spending time with our grown kids and their spouses. This weekend they were over doing puzzles and playing dominoes with us. We are so fortunate that they love hanging out with us. I love pickleball, working out, reading, traveling, spending time with my grandkids, being active outdoors and am taking a class next week with my daughter and daughter in law to learn Mahjong! I love the quote about falling in love with your life. We are truly blessed!!

  35. Amy says

    I love the Musers! Can’t wait to listen to their podcast. When we moved to Dallas 20 plus years ago, I was at first annoyed that my husband had the Ticket on constantly, but I was quickly converted to a P1 and listen everyday!

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      I love them so much! I get excited every morning to listen…and I’m always so sad when they dry dock!

  36. Andrea says

    Such a thought provoking post. The time we are given is such a gift. Some ways I spend my time/hobbies include Bible study, exercise, crocheting (sooo therapeutic), painting rocks and leaving for people to find, making jewelry, doing Sudoku, sitting outside and marveling at God’s creation.

  37. Angie says

    Such a great post, Shay! I agree with one of the readers above who said your blog is one of the few that is worth reading. It brings value and happiness to my day and I always look forward to reading! I love how you started out with a list you don’t want to spend time on (scrolling, worrying, etc.) I am at a huge transition time in my life and have started being really intentional to not get sucked into things I don’t want to waste time or energy on either. It opens so much space to do the things we actually want to do. Simple but profound! Thank you for this post!

  38. Shannon Proctor says

    What an awesome post! We do only have so much time on this planet, why waste it doing things that we do not enjoy! ❤️

  39. em-jay says

    I absolutely love to crochet. I know it’s not super popular anymore, but I love it, even though I’m not 108 years old! ;-D Oddly enough, crocheting doilies in rich, modern colors has turned into a new passion, and I desperately wish I could do something with them….but I also know people rarely go looking for that kind of thing. BUT, who cares? I’m going to keep making them and loving the process, because I can!
    What a fun topic to discuss today–enjoying reading the comments!

  40. Beth Valenta says

    What a wonderful post to inspire. I have been in education a long time and I still get inspired to do something more. I love to party plan, so I am thinking of how I want to get started and logisics. I always get lost in that. When I think of time, I really have learned to focus on time with others who value mine. I am inately a fixer and realized how exhausting that hobby was…LOL. Time for joy is of the utmost in self-care.

  41. Ranisa Brletich says

    Welp! This the third kick in the pants…..this week. In the most positive way. I am going to start being more intentional with my hobbies. I am going to work on perfecting my skills and maybe sell a quilt or two.

    Just to start.

  42. Kay says

    I love this post so very much! As I approach 50 this October!, one of my main “goals” is just to make the most of time. Whatever that means to me! This season, it’s being very thoughtful and striving for excellence in my work, being VERY present with my teens as in the next three years, all will be out of our house!, trying each day to make someone’s day better (even if it’s just a smile at a frazzled looking shopper in line next to me at the grocery store), and doing something to keep healthy each day.

    We can’t control how long we’re here, but we sure can control how we value our time! Thanks for reminding us all of this invaluable lesson. I love your blog!

  43. Deb says

    I really loved the quote about the three types of hobbies – I don’t have one that makes money but I have lots that keep me healthy and bring me pure joy. It has me thinking now about how I could potentially make money from things I love and. Thanks for this post.

  44. WhittyWife (Lindsay) says

    Ohhhh, this is thought-provoking! I screenshot suggestions and am mulling it over.

    Also, I decorated for Fall yesterday too. Tis the season! 🎃🍁🍂

  45. Christa Liso says

    Great reminder Shay! As a busy mom to 3 active little girls, I often neglect my interests thinking I will have time for them later. It is nice to be reminded that it is ok for me to have hobbies/activities that are just for me. (I had a hard time even typing that out so I think I have some work to do on this. 👀) I have spent the last 6 years totally devoted to cleaning, organizing, planning, being all the things for my people, but I have lost a lot of myself in the process. I need to carve out some time to become reacquainted with who I am and what God has given me a heart and talent for. Thanks for the encouragement! ❤️

  46. Hope says

    What a great reminder. I think we can all name a point in our day where we waste time. Even if its 10 minutes, thatd 10 minutes we can not get back. Since becoming a single mom 3 years ago I am trying to hard to be present. I thought I was present before but have tweaked things over the last few years to make things more intentional. Can you do a post on how you started your business or tips you would give someone starting out and the mistakes you made and wish someone had informed you about.

  48. Maureen says

    Following Lisa D.!!! I was also a First Grade teacher☺️. My hobby is making greeting cards. Not for profit but to let people know they are being thought of. Brings me so much joy💖

  49. Karen says

    Just want to say I have ordered several beautiful outdoor pillows from your cousin’s etsy shop, Patiogirl custom pillows. Her fabric prints are so beautiful and they are extremely well made! I have two on my front porch right now!! Thanks for the reminder to go to her site and see what’s new!!

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      Well this makes me so so happy! Thank YOU for supporting my sweet cousin. She is truly just so very precious.

  50. Stephanie Snyder says

    Such a good post, and so thought provoking. How do I spend my time? Most is in the car because we commute 45 minutes each way for work/school. Spending that time with my three kids and husband is something I’m thankful for and trying to latch onto rather than bemoaning the loss of sleep. I have several “for me” hobbies that include working out, reading, bible study, and book club with my girlfriends. I love to bake sourdough when I have time. I am trying to find a hobby that could be turned into a side hustle but haven’t yet. Thank you for these wellness posts. They really open up good dialogue and make me think!

  51. Katie Stewart says

    I needed this post!
    I have an idea for a business in my heart and I’ve been praying on this for a while now. God has made it so clear that right now I need to set that aside and just enjoy my littles. ❤️
    However, I SO appreciate women who are supportive, encouraging, and uplifting to others!

  52. Lindsay Gannon says

    Yum! Applesauce in the slow cooker – We used to do that with our Kinders during Apple Dapple week!

  53. Heather S says

    Such a good reminder of how blessed we truly are to be here today. We’re in the season of our hobbies all revolve around our child, and I couldn’t be more greatful! Watching him grow and thrive most certainly brings me JOY!

  54. Lynda says

    I loved your post today about hobbies. I have a huge passion in raising monarch butterflies. Unfortunately I can’t make a living doing that. 😀

  55. Jaimie Rafferty says

    Shay! Thank you so much for sharing – your timing feels so serendipitous! I started an upscale baby and kids consignment instagram account a few months ago, and am getting so excited for my first fall season of fall clothes and jackets, etc! To share all these beautiful pieces that were barely worn (and some even new!) and have such an emotional connection to them brings me so much joy! It’s a side passion that I couldn’t keep thinking about and decided to just DO IT. And here we are! Thank you for sharing your love and support, as always xx
    @CoastalConsignKids

    xx

  56. Tina says

    I love to read and typically always have one fiction and one non-fiction book going. But my true love is my dollhouse. I decorate it for various holidays and seasons just like I do my house. When I have a few minutes I’ll sit down and put together a new scene for the dining table or the porch or the kitchen. I’ll admit I spend way too much time scrolling Etsy and Pinterest looking for items and inspiration for my doll house. I miss that scrapbooking is no longer a thing. Remember scrapbook stores with all the paper and stickers? I used to spend time with good friends sitting around the tables at the store working on album pages. Once smart phones replaced cameras, scrapbooking fell by the wayside. It was an easy way to find like-minded friends…something I have been unable to do in a very long time now. After several big moves (one across the country and then one from urban to rural), I don’t have any friends anymore. I love my husband and my kids but truly miss having girl friends.

  57. Bren says

    Sigh…(that was a good sigh), it’s like you and I were having a conversation and you wrote exactly what I needed to read and think about. Unfortunately, we both share the perspective of the reflection of a dearest friend who is not here on earth with us. I think of my friend often and remind myself that so many of these little things I do, she would be so thankful for. In her honor, for soon to be 14 years now, I try to find little ways to live my life more fully. Putting it blankly – I hate that I have this perspective. But my reality is that I do have this perspective and in her honor, she has taught me so ever so much. Thinking of your beloved Manda, Shay. Thanks for sharing.

  58. Sara says

    Very thought-provoking, I love the quote about every moment being a choice-and we need to choose wisely.

  60. kris berg says

    What a great (popular) subject! We (my girls and I) did this very thing. We are now knitting beautiful merino hats and embroidering on children’s sweaters etc and it has become SO FUN! We are now in a few little stores and will be doing fall markets up in MN and it has brought so much fun into our lives. We even just received an order from a very fun person. 🙂 Thanks these were fun to read and if you wish give us a follow in ig @mungertrailknits

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